Lecture 9

Question 1

The character of Joseph

Answer 1

Idk

Question 2

Reversal of Primogeniture

Answer 2

The younger son receives the promise and ousts the older son multiple times

Question 3

DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF THE BELOVED SON

Answer 3

In all these cases, the younger, favored son, is at risk of death and in each case undergoes a symbolic death before his rise as the next patriarch of Israel
•Cain kills Able – who is replaced by another younger son Seth - Gen 4
•Abraham almost sacrifices his younger beloved son – Gen 22
•Jacob steals the blessing, Esau threatens to kill Jacob, who has to go into exile; Gen. 27-28
•Joseph’s brothers threaten to kill him, and throw him into a pit (=underworld) Gen. 37 ff

Question 4

Barren matriarch

Answer 4

Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel are all unable to have children initially
•Women play a prominent role in these narratives. Rebecca is more prominent than Isaac in narratives dealing with them.

Question 5

Promise

Answer 5

Focus is still on the threefold promise of land, progeny, and the ability to bless others. But how and who is going to fulfill this promise?